BBQ Skewers (Meat & Veggie Combo)

🔥 BBQ Skewers (Meat & Veggie Combo)

Marinade & Skewer Ingredients:

• Protein Choices:
  • 1.5 lbs chicken breast/thighs (cubed)
  • OR 1.5 lbs beef sirloin (cubed)
  • OR 1 lb large shrimp (peeled)
  • OR 1 lb pork tenderloin (cubed)
• Veggie Choices:
  • Bell peppers (red/green/yellow), cubed
  • Red onion, chunked
  • Zucchini, thick slices
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Mushrooms (button or cremini)
• Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water 30 mins beforehand)

Homemade BBQ Marinade:

• ½ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup honey or brown sugar
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp cayenne (optional, for heat)

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1️⃣ Marinate the Protein:

• Whisk all marinade ingredients. Reserve half for basting later.
• Toss meat in the other half. Marinate 1-4 hours (or 30 mins for shrimp).

2️⃣ Skewer Assembly:

• Thread meat and veggies alternately onto skewers.
• Pro Tip: Keep veggies separate if some cook faster (e.g., tomatoes).

3️⃣ Grill or Broil:

• Grill: Medium-high heat (~400°F/200°C). Cook 3-4 mins per side (12-15 mins total for chicken/beef/pork; 6-8 mins for shrimp).
• Oven: Broil on high, 6-8 inches from heat, turning halfway.
• Baste with reserved sauce in the last 2 mins.

4️⃣ Serve:

• Garnish with fresh cilantro or sesame seeds.
• Pair with extra BBQ sauce, rice, or grilled corn.

🌶 Flavor Variations:

• Spicy: Add 1 tbsp sriracha to marinade.
• Asian Twist: Swap BBQ sauce for teriyaki or peanut sauce.
• Pineapple Sweetness: Add pineapple chunks to skewers!

💡 Pro Tips:

• Prevent sticking: Oil the grill grates well.
• Don’t overcrowd skewers for even cooking.
• Rest meat 5 mins before serving for juiciness.

These skewers are guaranteed crowd-pleasers—great for BBQs, weeknights, or meal prep! Let me know if you’d like a vegetarian version. 😊🍢🔥